Identification and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorde

This comprehensive review outlines best practices for recognizing and managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) across diverse clinical settings. It emphasizes that AUD is a chronic, relapsing condition with significant morbidity and mortality, yet often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, comorbid mental health conditions, and social determinants. The article discusses screening tools (e.g., AUDIT, AUDIT-C, CAGE), diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), and biomarkers such as gamma-glutamyl transferase and phosphatidylethanol. Management strategies span brief interventions, psychosocial therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing), and pharmacologic agents like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. It underscores person-centered care, integration with mental health services, and follow-up due to AUD’s relapsing nature.

This comprehensive review outlines best practices for recognizing and managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) across diverse clinical settings. It emphasizes that AUD is a chronic, relapsing condition with significant morbidity and mortality, yet often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, comorbid mental health conditions, and social determinants. The article discusses screening tools (e.g., AUDIT, AUDIT-C, CAGE), diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), and biomarkers such as gamma-glutamyl transferase and phosphatidylethanol. Management strategies span brief interventions, psychosocial therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing), and pharmacologic agents like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. It underscores person-centered care, integration with mental health services, and follow-up due to AUD’s relapsing nature.